The spelling of the term "written matter" is fairly straightforward. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be pronounced as /ˈrɪtən ˈmætər/. The first syllable is pronounced as "rit" with a short "i" sound, while the second syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound. The word "matter" is spelled just as it sounds, with a clear "m" sound followed by the "a" sound and the "t" sound. Overall, the spelling of "written matter" is fairly intuitive for native English speakers.
Written matter refers to any text, literature, or written content in any form that can be read or interpreted. It encompasses a wide range of materials, including books, articles, essays, manuscripts, letters, documents, reports, memos, and other textual materials. Written matter may be formal or informal, and can be produced through various mediums such as printing, handwriting, typing, or digital text.
Within the realm of literature, written matter encompasses fictional and non-fictional works, poetry, plays, and scripts. It also includes academic publications, scientific research papers, and scholarly articles.
Written matter serves as a means of communication and expression, allowing ideas, thoughts, and information to be shared, preserved, and transmitted across time and space. It plays a crucial role in education, information dissemination, and legal documentation, among other fields.
In legal contexts, the term "written matter" commonly refers to any text or written content that is subject to copyright protection, intellectual property rights, or legal agreements. This definition is particularly important in cases involving plagiarism, unauthorized reproduction, or copyright infringement.
Overall, written matter is a broad and encompassing term that includes any form of textual representation, serving as a fundamental tool for communication, education, record-keeping, and the transmission of knowledge across various fields and disciplines.
The etymology of the word "written matter" can be understood by breaking it down into its individual components:
1. "Written" is the past participle of the verb "write". It comes from the Old English word "writan", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic root "writanan", meaning "to cut, scratch, or carve". Over time, the meaning shifted to "to form letters or characters on a surface with a pen or other instrument". This evolution of meaning is evident in related words throughout different Germanic languages.
2. "Matter" originated from the Latin word "materia", meaning "substance" or "material". It was first recorded in English in the 14th century, initially referring to physical substance or material objects. Over time, its usage expanded to include various types of content, including written material.